Colorado Springs News, Sports & Business

Police capture suspect after foot pursuits

A 21-year-old man is in jail after leading Colorado Springs Police on several chases.

The suspect, Dana Shaffer, allegedly discarded a handgun and backpack containing a large knife, burglary tools and drug paraphernalia during the pursuit.

Police initially spotted a stolen vehicle driving on Hancock Expressway, west of South Academy Boulevard, early Monday afternoon.

An officer attempted to stop the vehicle as it entered a shopping center parking lot in the 2900 block of South Academy Boulevard. But the vehicle accelerated through the lot at a high rate of speed, narrowly missing several pedestrians, police said.

Due to the risk of harming pedestrians and other vehicles, the officer did not follow the vehicle.

Minutes later, the officer saw the alleged driver walking in the 2500 block of Gina Drive. When the man saw the officer, he jumped several fences before entering a home in the 2500 block of Barkman Drive.

The occupants of the house quickly ran out and told responding officers that Shaffer did not live there.

Additional officers were called to contain the area, but Shaffer climbed out of a bedroom window. After another short foot pursuit, Shaffer eventually was arrested on several felony counts.

Police recovered the stolen vehicle in a driveway in the 2500 block of Payne Circle East.